Friday, August 16, 2013

Living The Julia Life

Each year, on August 14, the calendar on my computer reminds
me it's Julia Child’s birthday. Does that seem strange? For most foodies, probably not. We owe a lot to this culinary maverick, who brought one of
the world’s most delicious and famous cuisines to the American kitchen. She
also made it okay to fail, as long as you try again. As she reminded us, we are
often alone in the kitchen, so who’s going to know.

I've watched Julia’s television shows all my life. However, she became my hero when I discovered she began her
culinary journey at age 37, which was about the same age I was when I ventured out
into my writing career. Her success allowed me to put aside my fears and
believe it is never to late to follow your dreams and build the life you
desire.

Now, years later, I have my Julia Life: I’m a full-time
freelance writer. I’m married to my version of Paul Child, my husband Michael,
who loves me and encourages me to follow my dreams. (It is such a gift to have a
husband who says, “I’m so proud of you” on a regular basis.) I've created dishes that make me close my eyes in rapturous delight.

Yes, I still have
goals and dreams ahead (my first published book being at the top of my list),
but I’m so happy and blessed to be living The Julia Life.

To celebrate Julia's birthday yesterday, I watched the movie Julie and Julia. I skipped through the
Julie parts to focus on the Julia ones, which are based on my favorite book, My Life in France by Julia Child with
her nephew Alex Prud’Homme. (The biography Dearie
by Bob Spitz comes in a close second.)

This weekend I plan to open up Mastering the Art of French Cooking to try out a new recipe,
though which one I’m not certain of yet. Until then, here are some of my
favorite Julia recipes from past blogs:

“Good results require that one take time and care. If one doesn't use the freshest ingredients or read the whole recipe before starting,
and if one rushes through the cooking, the result will be an inferior taste and
texture—a gummy beef Wellington,
say. But a careful approach will result in a magnificent burst of flavor, a
thoroughly satisfying meal, perhaps even a life-changing experience.” –Julia
Child, from My Life in France.

11 comments:

Dear Linda, I hope your weekend was everything you dreamed. It is nice to have these plans to look forward to.I like all of your favorite Julia dishes.Julia does give up inspiration that it is never too late to catch your dream. Blessings dear. Catherine xo